Young Ideas carry hopes of Bay into league playoffs

WITH Nelson Mandela Bay having had one of their four teams relegated from the ABC Motsepe League, Young Ideas are hoping to redeem the dignity of the city by winning the SAB League playoffs at Matatiele from July 3 to 5.

This comes after the Motherwell side finished on top of the league, having won 22 games, drawn five and lost three games of 30 played.

They held the No 1 position from start of the season.

Another highlight was being part of the Nedbank Cup provincial playoffs, after being the champions in the Bay.

“Our preparations have been good. We are counting the days now as we are only left with seven days for training,” coach Bulelani Fina said.

“All the players seem focused and everyone is looking forward to the challenge.

“We were fortunate to be part of the Nedbank Cup playoffs, as the boys now have an idea what to look out for.

“Most of the teams that were part of the Nedbank Cup are the same teams that we will be up against.

“The only thing that will change is the environment because we will be playing in Matatile which is more inland.

“Players will have to adapt to the much colder conditions of Matatile.”

Fina said the team has had a fantastic season with everyone fighting for the single objective of winning the league.

In an attempt to strengthen the team, Ideas partnered with Walmer township side Mabayibone All Stars at the beginning of the year.

Fina says the playoffs are a must win. “Now that Morning Stars have been relegated from the Motsepe League, we have to fill that gap.

“This will mean a lot for the people of Port Elizabeth to have another team from the Bay in the league.

“To us it’s more like an obligation to win the playoffs.”

Fina understands that it will not be an easy journey for them as there are a tough seven opponents from other regions in the Eastern Cape.

“We have the right pack in terms of preparations, so it’s all in the mind now.

“We just need to put the players in the right frame of mind.

“We will do whatever it takes to make sure that we win,” Fina said.